Digital Academy of Florida Student Overcomes Housing Insecurity to Graduate High School and Pursue College Dreams

Orginially published on Tampa Bay 10 News - July 12th, 2024

In the city of Holiday, a local teenager, Alana Vickers, has become an inspiration due to her determination to pursue an education despite years of housing insecurity. Constantly moving and changing schools, Alana found a lifeline in an accessible online education program. She recently shared her journey with 10 Tampa Bay, revealing that college is next on her path.

Alana's journey through high school was marked by frequent relocations with her mother and younger sister, including a brief stay with Metropolitan Ministries. Starting in the 10th grade, they moved half a dozen times, leading Alana to drop out of public school in Pasco and enroll in the Digital Academy of Florida (DAOF), run by Hendry County Schools. At Digital Academy of Florida, where 48% of students receive free and reduced lunch and about 3% face significant housing challenges, it became her educational sanctuary.

Despite the challenges, Alana buckled down and graduated, though she missed her graduation ceremony. Digital Academy of Florida celebrated her achievement by personally delivering her diploma to her apartment. Alana's resilience and determination have now brought her to St. Petersburg College, where she aims to become a pediatrician, inspired by her love for children and her younger sister.

Alana's story is a testament to perseverance and the impact of accessible education programs, inspiring many in her community and beyond.

For more information about Digital Academy of Florida, please visit https://daof.k12.com/.